Last week both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler announced they were leaving American Idol to pursue their own careers. However, a new report claims they were actually fired in response to falling ratings – and Jennifer seeking yet another pay raise!

According to The Wrap, Jennifer who was paid $15M last season, asked for a $2M raise to return. In response, Fox said no way, declining to even make her a counter offer! As for Steven, Fox opted not to renew his contract as they are seeking new blood in the hopes of restoring the show to its former dominance in the music competition marketplace.

The rumors are swirling this week over a potential shakeup at the American Idol judges’ table. Yesterday it was former Idol contestant Adam Lambert and today it’s …Charlie Sheen? No, seriously.

The show is scrambling, trying to get Jennifer Lopez to sign on for another season, but other names are being tossed around if they can’t get her back. Some of the reported musicians/singers in the running: Miley Cyrus,Katy Perry, and Fergie. Rumor has it that Nigel Lythgoe has his sights set on Charlie Sheen.

Holy smokes, the American Idol rumors are running rampant! Adam Lambert is reportedly being considered as a judge for season 12 of the reality competition show that made him famous. It would be an easy switch – Jennifer Lopez, who wants to be done with American Idol, moves out and Adam Lambert moves in.

“He personifies the show, and will be a popular choice right from the start,” an unnamed source is quoted telling E! News. “He knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the judges’ comments, he has a human touch, and they know they can’t go wrong if they bring him on. He would be able to bring a unique perspective to the show. People love him.”

Some ugly rumors are spreading about Casper Smart, Jennifer Lopez‘s boy toy of seven months. A Hollywood nightclub Boulevard3 dancer is making claims on Twitter that Casper Smart is gay and only using the American Idol judge for her fame and fortune.

Well, if it’s on Twitter, it must be true, right? (rolling my eyes) You decide –

RadarOnline reports that dancer Joshua Lee Ayers, who worked with Smart in the 2010 dance movie “Step Up 3D,” insists Casper Smart is gay. Ayers started his campaign in March, posting a photo of Smart wearing shiny gold shorts, a sparkly belt, silky scarf, and a deer hunter hat. (Funny, for me, the only thing that stands out here from someone in Hollywood is the deer hunter hat! Maybe he’s secretly a hunter and keeping it from J Lo! Oh, the shame!) Also, there’s something stuffed down the front of Smart’s shorts. Ayers posted the photo with the caption: “Check out Ur boy… And his low key homo ways.”